MANUAL 


JL 1043 
1904 
. M6 

Copy 1 

ON THE 


Civil Government of Porto Rico 


TO ACCOMPANY 


Thorpe’s “ The Government of the 


r 

t 


People of Porto Rico 




' * 


> 


PREPARED BY 



PAUL G. MILLER 


Principal, Normal Department, University of Porto Rico 


HINDS, NOBLE & EL DREDGE 
Philadelphia and New York 


1904 






LIBMHY l*I 

Two Copies 

NOV 1 iyu4 




Copyright /go/ 
by 

Hinds , Nobly Eldredge 






TO TEACHERS. 


The object of this manual is threefold: First, to 
set forth the changes that have become necessary, due 
to recent legislation, in Thorpe’s The Government of 
the People of Porto Rico, bringing this text-book up 
to date; Second, to systematize the study of the sub¬ 
ject, aiding both teachers and pupils, by the presenta¬ 
tion of a syllabus of outlines, thus enabling pupils to 
grasp the different subdivisions as wholes; Third, to 
facilitate the work of teachers by the presentation of 
questions on the text and outlines, and to stimulate 
interest in collateral study by suggestive questions for 
discussion. 

The outlines are intended as aids not only when the 
subject is first taken up, but also for review work. On 
account of the somewhat peculiar character of Chap¬ 
ters I and VIII no outlines on these chapters are given. 

The author recommends that a study of the Govern¬ 
ment of Porto Rico precede that of the United States. 
However, Chapters I and II, found on pages 7 and 16, 
respectively, should be studied first. 

The following books will be found helpful for sup¬ 
plementary study: 

Register of Porto Rico (1903). 

Historia de Puerto Rico por S. Bran. 

The School Laws of Porto Rico. 

Annual Reports of the Governor, Secretary, Attorney-General, 
Auditor, Treasurer, Commissioner of the Interior and Commis¬ 
sioner of Education. 

The author will be grateful to his fellow-teachers 
for calling his attention to any errors that may occur 
in. this manual. 

PAUL G. MILLER. 

Rio Piedras, Porto Rico, August, 1904. 





PART I. 


REVISIONS AND NOTES ON THE TEXT OF 
THORPE’S CIVIL GOVERNMENT 
OF PORTO RICO. 


Chapter I. 

Revision.—On page 8, paragraph 3, read “Guai- 
nabo” instead of “Gurabo;” in paragraph 2, read 
“Guaybana” instead of “Aguinaba.” 

Note.—In the study of the historical sketch, teachers 
may assign extracts from Historia de Puerto Rico 
por S. Brau. 

Chapter II. 

Revision.—On page 17, at the end of paragraph 25 
add the following: 

“On and after July 1, 1904, no name shall be added 
to the registry list of any person who is not able to 
read and write; but no new registration or new quali¬ 
fications are required for those electors who were 
registered during the year 1902.” 

On page 20, paragraph 34, line nine, after “election" 
add: “and is allowed to speak on the floor of the House 
of Representatives, the same as delegates from the 
territories.” 

Chapter III. 

Revision.— 

On pages 27-30 omit paragraphs 46, 47, 48 and 49, 
and in place of this matter substitute the following: 

Office of Health, Charities and Correction. 

1. The Governor by and with the consent of the 




6 


CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


Executive Council appoints a member of the Execu¬ 
tive Council who is not charged with the administra¬ 
tion of an executive department as Director of Health, 
Charities and Corrections, to hold office for four years, 
unless his successor is sooner appointed and qualified. 
He is subject to removal for cause by the Governor 
of Porto Rico, and in addition to his compensation as 
a member of the Executive Council, he receives an ad¬ 
ditional remuneration of $600 per year. He appoints, 
with the consent of the Executive Council, an assist¬ 
ant director, a chief clerk, a disbursing officer, other 
clerical help, superintendents of institutions under his 
charge, wardens, keepers, guards, inspectors, and 
other officers. 

2. It is the duty of this office to supervise, control, 
and administer the charitable, penal, correctional and 
sanitary institutions in Porto Rico supported by in¬ 
sular funds. 

It is the duty of the Director of Health, Charities 
and Corrections, either personally or through one of 
his agents or inspectors, to visit and inspect from time 
to time the insular institutions placed under his 
charge, and make a report in writing to the Executive 
Council of the results of such inspection, together with 
recommendations which he may desire to make. 

The Director shall at least once in each fiscal year, 
through his agents or inspectors, duly appointed by 
him for that purpose, inspect the charitable, penal, cor¬ 
rectional and sanitary institutions belonging to cities 
and villages of the Island. A written report of every 
such inspection is filed in the office of the Director, 
and a copy is forwarded to the governing body of the 
institution inspected. 

The Director also makes an inspection at such times 
as he sees fit, of the conduct, management, construc¬ 
tion and general condition of any private hospital, 
‘school, asylum or other institution of charitable, penal 


CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


7 


or correctional nature, where children or adults are 
cared for or confined. Written reports of the result 
of these inspections are made to the Governor and 
copies are furnished to the persons or authorities con¬ 
trolling such institutions. 

The Director prepares rules and regulations for the 
government and administration of all charitable, penal, 
correctional and sanitary institutions, insular and mu¬ 
nicipal; regulations pertaining to the labor of prison¬ 
ers, their employment, rewards for good behavior and 
other subjects affecting the welfare of prisoners and 
their management; regulations concerning the follow¬ 
ing matters: Public water supply, markets, bakeries, 
general grocery stores, milk stalls and meat stalls, 
public institutions, schools, asylums, jails, hospitals, 
dispensaries, court rooms, theatres and residences, 
purity, brands, labels, and good conditions of foods, 
beverages, liquors, drugs and medicines; vital statis¬ 
tics, marriages, births and deaths; examination, licens¬ 
ing and registration of veterinarians, dentists, drug¬ 
gists, practicantes, plumbers and undertakers; sew¬ 
erage, street cleaning, nuisances, slaughter-houses, 
stables and yards; infectious and contagious diseases, 
traffic, business, industries and factories injurious to 
public health; funerals and cemeteries, vaccination, 
poisons,'explosives; intervention in and sanitary in¬ 
spection of conveyances on land for travel and traffic. 
These rules and regulations are subject to the ap¬ 
proval of the Executive Council. 

The Director provides for the supply of provisions 
and other suitable articles for the maintenance of the 
inmates and prisoners under his charge. He makes 
such reports as the Attorney-General may from time 
to time request, and at the close of each fiscal year he 
makes a report to the Governor on the work done 
by the office under his charge. 

3. Upon the recommendation of the Director, the 


8 


CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


Governor by and with the advice and consent of the 
Executive Council appoints a superior board of health 
of five members, consisting of a supervisor of health, 
one physician, one lawyer, one civil engineer and one 
druggist, who hold their offices for two years, without 
compensation except for traveling and other ex¬ 
penses. 

The superior board of health is an advisory board to 
the Director of Health, Charities and Corrections on 
all matters concerning sanitary investigations of the 
causes of diseases, epidemics, sources of mortality, 
rules and regulations for public hygiene, plans for new 
water supplies, drainage, sewerage, and public institu¬ 
tions of all kinds; registry of births, marriages and 
deaths; practice of pharmacy, dentistry, practicantes, 
embalming and burials; the examination and licensing 
of plumbers, and the observance of sanitary regula¬ 
tions; purity of food, beverages, medicines and drugs; 
dangerous occupations; and all things which concern 
public health and individual security. 

Chapter IV. 

Revision.—Substitute the following te?ct: 


CHAPTER IV. 


THE JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT. 


1. The Judicial Power of Porto Rico is vested in a 
Supreme Court, or Court of Appeals, in seven District 
Courts, twenty-four Municipal Courts, and in Justice 
Courts. 

2. The Supreme Court consists of a chief justice and 
four associate justices, three of whom make a quorum. 
The chief justice and the associate justices of the su¬ 
preme court, as well as the marshal, are appointed for 





CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


9 


a term of four years by the President, by and with the 
advice and consent of the Senate. The chief justice 
receives an annual salary of $5000, the associate jus¬ 
tices $4500 each, and the marshal $3000. This court 
also has a fiscal, or prosecuting- attorney, a secretary, 
an interpreter and a stenographer. 

3. The Supreme Court is a court of appeals in all 
civil and criminal cases to which appeals are made from 
the decisions of the district courts. It has original 
jurisdiction in cases of charges of malfeasance pre¬ 
ferred against the judges of the district courts or the 
prosecuting attorneys in the insular courts. The su¬ 
preme court has original jurisdiction for the trial and 
adjudication of all questions existing, or which may 
arise between the Roman Catholic Church in Porto 
Rico, and the People of Porto Rico, or between the 
Roman Catholic Church and any municipality in 
Porto Rico, where property rights claimed by either 
party are affected. 

4. Appeals to the Supreme Court of the United 
States. From the final judgments and decrees of the 
supreme court of Porto Rico an appeal may be taken 
to the Supreme Court of the United States, in the same 
manner and under the same regulations as from the 
supreme courts of the territories, whenever the mat¬ 
ter in dispute, exclusive of costs, exceeds the sum of 
$5000. In cases which involve the construction or ap¬ 
plication of the Constitution of the United States, 
or in which the constitutionality of any law of the 
United States, or the validity or construction of any 
treaty under its authority is drawn in question, the 
appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States may 
be taken without regard to the sum or value in dis¬ 
pute; so, too, in a case involving the validity of a 
patent or a copyright, or to any proceeding by habeas 
corpus involving the question of personal freedom. 
All proceedings on appeal, in the Supreme Court of 




IO CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 

the United States are conducted in the English lan¬ 
guage. 

5. District Courts. Porto Rico is divided into seven 
judicial districts, in each of which is established a dis¬ 
trict court. The capitals of these districts where the 
courts hold their sessions are San Juan, Arecibo, Agua- 
dilla, Mayaguez, Ponce, Guayama and Humacao. 

Each district court has one judge, who must be over 
twenty-five years of age, a lawyer of good standing, 
admitted to the bar of the supreme court of Porto 
Rico, and must be able to conduct the business of his 
court in the Spanish language. The district judges 
are appointed by the Governor, by and with the con¬ 
sent of the Executive Council, for a term of four years. 
They receive an annual salary of $3000 and perform 
the duties as provided in the different laws, decrees 
and codes of Porto Rico. The Governor may also ap¬ 
point a special judge familiar with the proceedings in 
jury trials to assist the courts of the various districts 
to inaugurate the proceedings according to the Code 
of Civil Procedure, and especially in the practice of 
jury trials. In cases of absolute necessity the Gover¬ 
nor also appoints a substitute judge for such a time 
as may be necessary. 

The district marshal is chosen by the qualified elec¬ 
tors of the district which he serves for a term of four 
years. He receives an annual salary of $1800, and ex¬ 
ecutes a bond of $5000 to the People of Porto Rico. 
With the approval of the Attorney-General, he may 
appoint such deputies as may be allowed in the an¬ 
nual budget. The marshal is the executive officer of 
the court; carries out its lawful orders and directions; 
serves writs, summons and warrants; and collects and 
accounts for such fees as directed by law. 

The secretary of the district court is elected by the 
qualified voters of the district which he serves. He 
executes a bond of $5000, may appoint certain depu- 


CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


11 

ties with the approval of the Attorney-General, and 
receives an annual salary of $1800. He performs such 
duties as are prescribed by the codes, or may be re¬ 
quired by the rules and practice of the court; he keeps 
the required books; collects fees for services rendered; 
and files with the Auditor such statements of accounts 
as the Auditor may prescribe. 

The stenographer of the district court is appointed 
by the Attorney-General at an annual salary of $1200. 
He is required to execute a bond of $5000; and cor¬ 
rectly reports all oral proceedings had in the court and 
the testimony taken in all cases tried. He is required 
to file the stenographic records and reports made by 
him with the secretary of the district court and to 
deliver typewritten copies of records on the applica¬ 
tion of the Attorney-General, district fiscal or any 
party to a suit. 

The district fiscal is appointed by the Governor, by 
and with the consent of the Executive Council for a 
term of four years, and at an annual salary of $3000 
payable from the insular treasury. It is the duty of 
the district fiscal to prosecute in his district all delin¬ 
quents for crimes and offenses cognizable under the 
authority of the People of Porto Rico, and all civil 
actions in which the People of Porto Rico are con¬ 
cerned, and shall perform all other duties conferred 
upon him by law and commissions of the Attorney- 
General. 

The district courts have jurisdiction in all civil 
cases where the amount in controversy exceeds the 
sum of $500, and in all criminal cases known as fel¬ 
onies. Appeals are allowed in all these cases to the 
supreme court; and from the decisions of the munici¬ 
pal courts to the respective district courts. 

6. The Writ of Habeas Corpus.—The inhabitants of 
Porto Rico are entitled to the benefit of the writ of 
habeas corpus. The judges of the respective courts of 


12 


CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


Porto Rico grant this writ in all cases in which it is 
grantable by the judges of the district and circuit 
courts of the United States. 

7. Bail and Punishments.—Reasonable bail is al¬ 
lowed in all cases except in capital offenses such as 
murder. No cruel or unjust punishment may be in¬ 
flicted, but capital punishment may be inflicted as the 
law directs. 

8. Trial by Jury.—In district courts the defendant 
in all cases of felony may demand a trial by jury. The 
jury consists of twelve men selected by three jury 
commissioners, appointed by the court for a term of 
one year. These commissioners select jurors from the 
responsible citizens of the district, and the empanel¬ 
ling of the jury with the proceedings at the trial are 
conducted substantially the same as in the United 
States. 

9. Municipal Courts.—In Porto Rico there are 
twenty-four municipal judicial districts whose capitals 
are as follows: San Juan, Bayamon, Carolina, Vega 
Baja, Arecibo, Utuado, Manati, Aguadilla, Lares, 
Anasco, Mayaguez, San German, Cabo Rojo, Ponce, 
Yauco, Coamo, Barros, Guayama, Cayey, Caguas, 
Humacao, Fajardo, San Lorenzo and Yabucoa. The 
municipal court is composed of a judge, marshal and 
secretary, all of whom are elected by popular vote. 
In the cities and larger towns the judges must be 
lawyers in good standing, admitted to the bar of the 
Supreme Court of Porto Rico, and practicing before 
the insular courts. The salary of municipal judges, 
which is payable from insular funds, varies from $1000 
to $1500 per year, according to the importance of the 
judicial districts. The salaries of marshals and secre¬ 
taries is also paid from insular funds and varies from 
$720 to $1200 per year. The duties of marshals and 
secretaries of municipal courts are identical with those 
of marshals and secretaries of the district courts. 


CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


13 


Municipal courts have jurisdiction in all civil mat¬ 
ters to the amount of $500, including interest; and in 
all criminal cases except felonies, but in all felony 
cases the municipal judge may act as committing 
magistrate, and he may fix bail under the laws in force. 
In municipal judicial districts where there are no jus¬ 
tice courts the jurisdiction of municipal courts extends 
also to cases of violations of municipal ordinances. 

10. Justice Courts.—The justices of the peace are 
appointed by the Governor by and with the consent 
of the Executive Council. There is a justice court in 
San Juan, Ponce and Mayaguez, where the justices 
perform all the duties and functions of police justices. 
There are also justice courts in all municipal judicial 
districts which are composed of more than one munici¬ 
pality or town. In San Juan, Ponce and Mayaguez 
the justices receive an annual salary of $1200; all other 
justices of the peace receive a compensation of $360 
per year. In San Juan, Ponce and Mayaguez the jus¬ 
tice appoints a secretary at a salary of fifty dollars 
per month; all other justices have a bailiff, who exe¬ 
cutes all process and receives fifteen dollars per month 
for his services. All these salaries are paid out of 
municipal funds, and all fines imposed and collected 
by justices of the peace are paid into the municipal 
treasuries. 

Justice courts have jurisdiction to hear and deter¬ 
mine offenses in which the punishment imposed may 
not exceed a fine of fifteen dollars, or imprisonment 
not to exceed thirty days, and in all cases of viola¬ 
tions of municipal ordinances. During the absence 
of the municipal judge the justice of the peace acts as 
examining and committing magistrate. 

11. District Court of the United States.—Porto 
Rico forms a judicial district of the United States, 
called “The District of Porto Rico.” For this district 
the President, by and with the advice and consent of 


CIl'IL GOWKS VEST. 


*4 

the Senate, appoints a district judge at an annual sal¬ 
ary of $5000, a district attorney at $4000, and a dis¬ 
trict marshal at $3500, each for a term of four years. 
This court is called the “District Court of the United 
States for Porto Rico," and has the necessary offi¬ 
cials and assistants, including a clerk and an inter¬ 
preter appointed by the judge of this court. 

The jurisdiction of the district court of the L nited 
States for Porto Rico, in addition to the ordinary jur¬ 
isdiction of district and circuit courts of the United 
States, extends to and embraces controversies where 
the parties, or either of them, are citizens of the United 
States, or citizens or subjects of a foreign state or 
states, wherein the matter in dispute exceeds, exclu¬ 
sive of interests or costs the sum or value of $1000. 

Note.—Consult § 62, page 35, Thorpe’s Civil Gov¬ 
ernment of Porto Rico for a summary of the judicial 
department. 

Chapter V. 

Revision.—On page 42, paragraph 82, line three, in¬ 
stead of “Superior Board of Health” read “Director 
of Health, Charities and Corrections.” 

Note on paragraph 71 and 79.—The powers of the 
municipal council are exercised under the supervision 
of the Secretary of Porto Rico; the financial affairs 
of the municipality are under the supervision of the 
Treasurer of Porto Rico, while matters relating to 
sanitation and health are under the inspection of the 
Director of Health, Charities and Correction. 

At the present time there are no municipal police 
forces in Porto Rico. Order is preserved throughout 
the island by the insular police. 

Chapter VI. 

Revision.—On page 46, in place of paragraph 88, in¬ 
sert the following: 


CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


15 


88. General Elections.—At the general election 
which is held every two years on tne nrst Tuesday af¬ 
ter the first Monday in November, there are chosen 
a resident commissioner to the United States; in each 
legislative district three road supervisors and five dele¬ 
gates to the House of Delegates; in each judicial dis¬ 
trict a secretary and marshal who holds office for four 
years; in each municipal judicial district a municipal 
judge, marshal and secretary; and in each municipal¬ 
ity one mayor, three school directors, and the mem¬ 
bers of the municipal council. The election is under 
the general direction of the Executive Council. 

Note.—In connection with this chapter review the 
qualifications of voters, § 2^. 

Chapter VII. 

Revision.—On page 53, paragraph 104, in place of 
the words “Not less than fifteen per cent, nor more 
then twenty-five per cent." read “Twenty-five per 
cent, of all taxes collected and funds received," etc. 

At the end of paragraph 104 add: 

In. order to increase the revenues of the respective 
school boards, the municipalities may levy a property 
tax to be known as “School Tax” and not to exceed 
one-tenth of one percentum of the assessed value of 
all real property within the respective municipalities. 
This tax is collected by the Treasurer of Porto Rico 
snd paid to the treasurers of school boards. 

On page 48, paragraph 97, line three, in place of 
“one person to servp as director J read “three persons 
to serve as directors." 

In the fifth line of the same paragraph instead of 
“three years” read “two years." 


PART II. 


SYLLABUS OF OUTLINES. 


OUTLINE ON THE LEGISLATIVE DEPART¬ 
MENT. 

I. Legislative Assembly—Composed of 

a. Executive Council. 

1. Composed of 

(a) Six heads of executive departments. 

(b) Five other members. 

2. How appointed? 

3. Term of office. 

4. Names of present members. 

5. Remuneration. 

6. President 

7. Other officers. 

8. Special powers. 

(a > Approves appointment of certain officials. 

(b) Has charge of general elections. 

(c) Grants franchises and concessions of a public 

nature subject to approval of the President. 

b. House of Delegates. 

1. Composed of thirty-five members—number of dis¬ 

tricts. 

2. Qualifications of members. 

3. How members obtain their places. 

(a) Election.—When? 

How often? 

Qualifications for voting. 

4. Term of office. 

5. Names of members representing your district. 

6. Names of several other prominent delegates. 

7. Remuneration. 

8. President. 

9. Other officers. 


1 


16 




CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


17 


II. Sessions of Legislative Assembly. 

a. Meets when? 

b. How often? 

c. For how long? 

d. Special sessions—by whom called? 

III. Powers of each house separately. 

a. Chooses its officers. 

b. Determines its rules of proceeding. 

c. May punish its members or other persons for disorderly 

behavior in its presence. 

d. May enforce obedience to its orders. 

e. May summon witnesses before it or any of its committees. 

f. May administer oaths to witnesses. 

g. May protect its members against violence or bribery. 

i. Keeps a journal of its proceedings. 

j. Is judge of election, returns and qualification of its mem¬ 

bers. 

IV. Powers of Legislative Assembly. 

a. To make all laws applicable to Porto Rico and consistent 

with the Constitution of the United States and the 
Organic Act. 

1. All laws passed by both houses presented to the 

Governor for his signature. 

2. Congress reserves power and authority to annul laws 

enacted by Legislative Assembly. 

b. How bills become laws. 

1. Bills passed by a majority vote of both houses and 

signed by the Governor become laws. 

2. Bills vetoed by the Governor and repassed by a two- 

thirds majority of both houses become laws. 

3. Bills passed by a majority of both houses and not re¬ 

turned by the Governor within ten days (Sun¬ 
days excepted) after their presentation to him 
become laws, unless the Assembly by adjourn¬ 
ment prevent their return. 

V. Delegate to Congress or Resident Commissioner. 

a. How does he obtain his position ? 

b. Qualifications for this office. 

c. Term of service. 

d. Remuneration. 

e. Powers and duties. 


i8 


CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 




OUTLINE OF THE EXECUTIVE DEPART- 

MENT. 


I. The Governor. 

a. How appointed? 

b. Term of office. 

c. Salary. 

d. Official residence. 

e. Name of present governor. 

f. Powers and duties. 

1. May grant pardons and reprieves, and remit fines 

and forfeitures for offenses against the laws of 
Porto Rico. 

2. May grant respites for offenses against the laws of 

the United States. 

3. Commissions all officers that he may he authorized to 

appoint. 

4. May veto any legislation enacted by the Assembly. 

5. Is commander-in-chief of the militia. 

8. Executes the laws. 

9. Possesses all the powers of governors of territories 

so far as applicable to Porto Rico. 

10. Makes official reports of the transactions of the gov¬ 

ernment in Porto Rico to the President of the 
United States. 

II. Executive Heads of Departments. . 

a. Officials. 

1. Secretary. 

2. Attorney-General. 

3. Treasurer. 

4. Auditor. 

5. Commissioner of the Interior. 

6. Commissioner of Education. 

b. How appointed? 

c. Term of office. 

d. Salary of each. 

e. Residence. 

f. Names of present heads of departments. 

g. Powers and duties. 

1. Secretary. 

(a) Records and preserves the minutes of the pro¬ 
ceedings of the Executive Council and law's 
enacted by Assembly, and acts and proceed¬ 
ings of the governor. 



CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


19 


(b) Promulgates proclamations and orders of the 

governor, and all laws enacted by Assembly. 

(c) Transmits copies of laws and journal of ses¬ 

sions to 1, the President; 2, President of 
Senate; 3, Speaker of the House of Repre¬ 
sentatives; 4, Secretary of State of United 
States. 

(d) Exercises powers and performs duties of gov¬ 

ernor in case of his absence from island or 
when office is vacant. 

(e) Exercises powers of supervision and control 

over municipal affairs. 

Attorney-General. 

(a) Represents the people of Porto Rico in all 

suits and proceedings to which it is a party. 

(b) Supervises the administrative affairs of the in¬ 

sular courts. 

(c) Prepares and presents to the supreme court, 

when necessary, articles of impeachment 
against any judge or official. 

(d) Files information before district court in case 

of official misconduct of any officer or em¬ 
ployee of insular government. 

(e) Gives opinion to governor, heads of depart¬ 

ments, assembly, or either house on interpre¬ 
tation, construction and execution of laws. 

(f) Reports on all applications for pardons. 

(g) Approves bonds of certain officials, as to form. 

(h) Has power to examine and investigate offices 

of registrars of property. 

(i) Reports to the attorney-general of United States 

on affairs of his office. 

(j) In general has powers and performs duties of 

attorney of 'a territory of the United States. 

Treasurer. 

(a) Bond, amount, why necessary? 

(b) As treasurer proper, receives, has custody of 

and disburses funds of the government on 
warrants signed by auditor. 

(c) As assessor has charge of assessment of all 

property in Porto Rico for purposes of 
taxation. 

(d) As collector of taxes has supervision over 

offices of collectors and keeps accounts and 
records of payments made by tax-payers. 

(e) As commissioner of banks and corporations has 

charge of examination and supervision of 
banking, insurance and other financial insti¬ 
tutions. 


20 


CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


(f) Issues licenses to foreign corporations to do 

business in Porto Rico. 

(g) Supervises system of weights and measures. 

(h) Grants permits to carry fire-arms. 

(i) Approves bonds of certain officers. 

(j) Supervises the administration of financial 

affairs of municipalities. 

(1) Prescribes uniform system of keeping 

books of accounts, deposit of money and 
making disbursements. 

(2) Requires uniform reports. 

(3) Examines financial operations of any muni¬ 

cipality when authorized by governor. 

(k) Makes reports to secretary of treasury of 

United States. 

Treasury department organized into 

(1) Office of treasurer of Porto Rico (proper). 

(2) Bureau of accounts.—Collectors and dep¬ 

uties. 

(3) Bureau of internal revenue.— Internal 

revenue agents. 

(4) Bureau of municipal finance.—Examiners 

of municipal accounts. 

4. Auditor. 

(a) Keeps full and accurate accounts of money re¬ 

ceived and disbursed. 

(b) Sees to it that all money collected is properly 

accounted for and that any money expended 
is disbursed properly and lawfully. 

(c) Is final authority in all matters pertaining to 

appeals and accounts, subject only to appeal 
to the governor. 

(d) Has charge of purchase and distribution of sta¬ 

tionery supplies furnished to various depart¬ 
ments. 

5. Commissioner of the Interior. 

(a) Superintends all works of a public nature. 

(b) Has charge of public buildings, grounds and 

lands, except those belonging to the United 
States. 

(c) With approval of Executive Council, may rent 

and sell certain lands. 

(d) Makes report to secretary of interior of United 

States. 

(e) Bureaus of the department of the interior. 

(1) Public works. 

(2) Agriculture and mines. 

(3) Public lands. 


CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


21 


(4) Insular telegraph. 

(5) Docks and harbors. 

Note. —For a list of public buildings and telegraph offices con¬ 
sult pages 153-5, Register of Porto Rico. (1903.) 

6. Commissioner of Education. 

(a) Superintends public instruction throughout 

Porto Rico and approves disbursements 
made on account thereof. 

(b) To establish and maintain a system of public 

schools, higher institutions of learning, spe¬ 
cial schools and other educational agencies. 

(c) In his relation to boards, he fills vacancies, 

examines and approves account books, deter¬ 
mines number of schools for each munici¬ 
pality. 

(d) In his relation to teachers, he examines candi- 

didates for certificates, issues licenses, ap¬ 
points teachers of English, special teachers 
and superintendents; and approves appoint¬ 
ment of all other teachers. 

» 

(e) May suspend teachers and annul contracts. 

(f) Prepares courses of study. 

(g) Selects and purchases school books, supplies 

and equipment. 

(i) Approves plans for public school buildings. 

(j) Collects school statistics. 

(k) Is chancellor of the University of Porto Rico 

and president of its board of trustees. 

Note. —Teachers may require pupils to consult the School 
Laws of Porto Rico. Look up “Commissioner” in the index and 
follow the references by pages. 

III. Office of Health, Charities and Corrections. 

a. Director. 

1. How appointed? 

2. Term of office. 

3. Salary. 

4. Powers and duties. 

(a) Appoints assistants and other officers. 

(b) Supervises, controls and administers charitable, 

correctional, penal and sanitary institutions 
supported by insular funds. 

(c) Inspects and reports on institutions belonging 

to cities and villages. 

(d) Inspects and reports on private institutions. 

(e) Prepares rules and regulations for government 

and administration of charitable, penal, cor- 


22 


CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


rcctional and sanitary institutions; and on 
all other matters affecting public health. 

(f) Makes annual report to governor and such 
other reports as attorney-general may re¬ 
quire. 

b. Superior Board of Health. 

1. Composed of five members. 

2. Appointed by governor on recommendation of di¬ 

rector. 

3. Remuneration. 

4. Duties.—Acts as advisory board to director on all 

matters affecting public health, such as sources 
of mortality, purity of foods, practice of phar¬ 
macy. dentistry, water supplies, etc. 


OUTLINE OF JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT. 

I. Supreme Court of Porto Rico. 

a. Composed of 

1. One chief justice, four associate justices, a marshal. 

(a) How appointed? 

(b) Term of office. 

(c) Salary of each. 

(d) Number necessary for quorum. 

(e) Names of present judges and marshal. 

2. Other officials. 

(a) Fiscal. 

(b) Secretary. 

(c) Stenographer. 

(d) Interpreter. 

b. Jurisdiction. 

1. Acts as court of appeals in all civil and criminal 

cases where appeals are made from decisions of 
district courts. 

2. Has original jurisdiction in cases of malfeasance of 

district judges or fiscals. 

3. Has original jurisdiction in trying and adjudicating 

questions affecting property rights between the 
Roman Catholic Church in Porto Rico and (a • 
the people of Porto Rico, (b) any municipality 
in Porto Rico. 

c. Appeals to Supreme Court of United States. 

1. Cases whenever matter in dispute exceeds $5000. 

2. Cases involving construction or application of the 

Constitution, or constitutionality of a law. or 
validity or construction of a treaty. 

3. Cases involving validity of patent, copyright or ques¬ 

tion of personal freedom. (Habeas corpus.) 



CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


23 


II. District Courts. 

a. Judicial districts.—Number, headquarters, where? 

b. Judges—One. 

1. Qualifications. 

2. How appointed? } 

3. Term of office. 

4. Salary. 

5. Duties. 

c. Special judge. 

d. Substitute judge. 

e. Writ of habeas corpus. 

f. Bail and punishments. 

g. Trial by jury. 

h. Other officers of district courts.—Marshal, secretary, 

stenographer, fiscal. 

r. How does each obtain his office? 

2. Salary. 

3. Bond, amount. Which of these does not execute bond? 

4. Term of office. 

5. Duties. 

(a) Marshal.—Acts as executive officer of court. 

Carries out its lawful orders. Serves writs, 
summons, warrants, etc. 

(b) Secretary.—Keeps such books as are prescribed 

by the codes, collects fees for services ren¬ 
dered, and performs such other duties as 
may be required by rules and practice of 
court. ' 

(c) Stenographer.—Reports oral testimony in court 

verbatim. Files records and reports with 
secretary. Delivers typewritten copies of 
record on application of attorney-general, 
fiscal or party to a suit. 

(d) Fiscal.—Qualifications. 

(1) Prosecutes delinquents for crimes and of¬ 

fenses. 

(2) Represents the people of Porto Rico in 

civil actions. 

(3) Performs other duties required by law and 
commissions of attorney-general. 

i. Jurisdiction of district courts. 

1. In civil matters where amount in controversy exceeds 

$500. 

2. In cases of felony. 

3. In cases of appeal from decision of lower courts. 


24 


CIVIL GOVERNMENT . 


III. Municipal Courts. 

a. Number. 

b. Composed of 

1. Judge. 

(a) In large towns lawyers of good standing. 

(b) Salary varies from $1000 to $1500. 

(c) Elected by popular vote. 

2. Marshal and secretary. 

(a) Elected by popular vote. 

(b) Salary varies from $720 to $1200. 

(c) Duties identical with those of district marshal 

and secretary. 

c. Jurisdiction. 

1. In civil matters to the amount of $500. 

2. In cases of misdemeanors, but judge may act as com¬ 

mitting magistrate in felony cases and fix bail. 

3. In municipal judicial districts where there are no 

justice courts, municipal courts have jurisdiction, 
also in cases of violations of municipal ordin¬ 
ances. 

d. Names of municipal judge, secretary and marshal of 

district in which you live. 

e. Salaries paid from insular funds. 

IV. Justice Courts. 

a. Justice. 

1. How appointed? 

2. Salary. 

(a) In San Juan, Ponce and Mayaguez $1200. 

(b) In other towns $360. 

b. Other officers appointed by justice. 

1. Secretary in San Juan, Ponce and Mayaguez at $50 

per month. 

2. Bailiff in all other justice courts at $15 per month. 

c. Jurisdiction. 

1. Offenses in which punishment may not exceed fine 

of $15, or imprisonment not to exceed thirty 
days. 

2. All cases of violations of municipal ordinances. 

3. Justice acts as examining and committing magistrate 

in absence of municipal judge. 

d. Salaries paid from municipal funds. 

e. Fines collected paid into municipal treasury. 

f. Name of justice in your town. 



CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


25 


V. District Court of the United States for Porto Rico. 

a. Judge. 

b. Prosecuting Attorney. 

c. Marshal. 

d. How are these officers appointed? 

e. Term of office. 

f. Salary of each. 

g. Names of present incumbents. 

h. Jurisdiction of court. 

1. Offenses against laws of United States. Ordinary 

jurisdiction of district and circuit courts of 
United States. 

2. Controversies in which are involved a citizen of a 

state, or territory of United States, or citizen or 
subject of a foreign country, where sum in dis¬ 
pute exceeds $1000. 


OUTLINE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF 
MUNICIPALITIES. 

I. Legislative Department. 

a. Municipal council. 

1. Composed of 

(a) nine members in municipalities of 20,000 

population or over, 

(b) five members in municipalities having less. 

2. How and when elected ? 

3. Term of office. 

4. Qualifications of councilmen. 

(a) Over twenty-one years of age. 

(b) Must have resided one year in Porto Rico and 

six months in municipality. 

(c) Must be able to read and write. 

(d) Must own real or personal property of value 

not less than $200. 

5. Vacancies. 

(a) How caused? 

(b) How filled? 

6. Meetings of council. 

7. Quorum. 

8. President. 

9. Powers.—Makes all laws, ordinances and regulations 

necessary for local government, subject to 
mayor’s veto. (See § 71, Thorpe). 



26 


CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 




II. Executive Department. 

a. Mayor. 

1. How and when elected? 

2. Term of office. 

3. Subject to removal by governor. 

4. Vacancy—how tilled? 

5. Reports, (a) To governor, (b) To council. 

6. Powers and duties. 

(a) Veto power. 

(b) Signs ordinances and resolutions approved by 

him. 

(c) Makes recommendations to coupcil. 

(d) Represents municipality in legal proceedings. 

(e) Appoints and directs municipal employees. Mav 

suspend and remove them when necessary. 

(f) Publishes and executes ordinances of council. 

(g) Appoints rural delegates. (Comisarios.) 

(h) With consent of council appoints commissioner 

in charge of civil register. 

III. Administrative Officials. 

a. Secretary.—Duties. 

b. Treasurer.—Duties. 

c. Comptroller.—Duties. (Contador municipal.) 

d. Inspector of public works.—Duties. 

e. Board of charities.—Duties. 

f. Health officer.—Duties. 

g. School board. (See Education.) 

IV. Judicial Department. (See chapter on The Ju¬ 

dicial Department.) 

a. Municipal courts. 

b. Justices of the peace. 

V. The budget. 

VI. Sources of revenue. 

VII. Indebtedness-limit. 

VIII. Appeals. 


OUTLINE ON ELECTIONS. 

I. General elections. 

a. When and how often held ? 

b. Officials elected. 

1. Insular. 

2. Municipal. 

c. Under supervision of Executive Council. 





CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 




II. Boards of election. 

a. How appointed? 

b. Duties. 

III. Supervisor of elections. 

a. How appointed? 

b. Duties. 

IV. Registration.—What is it? By whom made? 

V. The ballot.—What is it? 

VI. The voting-room. 

a. Object. 

b. Proceedings in voting-room. 

VII. Qualifications of voters. 

(See § 25 and revision). 

VIII. Counting votes. 


OUTLINE ON EDUCATION. 

I. School districts. 

II. School boards. 

a. Number of directors. 

b. How and when chosen? 

c. Qualifications. 

d. Vacancies—how filled? (Consult sections 26, 27, 28 and 

29 of School Laws.) 

e. Meetings. (Consult section 6 of law.) 

f. Officers of hoard. 

1. President. 

2. Secretary.—Duties. (See section 25 of law.) 

3. Treasurer. (Not a member.) Duties. (See sections 

22 and 23 of law.) 

g. Powers and duties of board. 

1. May acquire property by right of eminent domain. 

2. May borrow money. 

3. May extend school year. 

4. May increase salaries. 

5. May suspend teachers. 

6. To have charge of buildings. 

7. To pay teachers' house rent. 



28 


CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


8. To nominate and elect teachers with approval of 
Commissioner. 

9 To assign teachers. 

10. To report number of schools desired. 

11. To supply equipment. 

12. To visit schools. 

13. To report to Commissioner. 

(Consult references under “School Board” in the in¬ 
dex of the School Laws.) 

III. School funds. 

a. Board to receive 25% of funds received from insular 

treasury. 

b. Municipalities may levy school tax. (See section 63.) 

c. Accounts to be audited. (Section 20 of School Law.) 

d. Not to incur obligations in excess of receipts. (Section21.) 

IV. Superintendents.—Duties. (See section 62 of 

law.) 

V. Teachers. 

a. Classification. (Section 35.) 

b. Qualifications. (Sections 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40.) 

c. Duties. (Sections 50 to 54.) 

d. How elected? (Sections 54 and 55.) 

VI. Compulsory attendance. (See An Act to amend 

section 60 of the Codified School Law.) 


PART III. 


QUESTIONS ON THE TEXT AND OUTLINES, 
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS. 


QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER I. 


The History of Government in Porto Rico. 

When and by whom was Porto Rico discovered? 
What was Porto Rico named by the discoverer? Near 
what place did Columbus land? What other noted ex¬ 
plorer came with Columbus? When and for what pur¬ 
pose did Ponce De Leon return to Porto Rico? Who 
was appointed as the first governor of Porto Rico? 
Where was the seat of government at that time? Give 
the geographical location and later designation of this 
place? What name was given to our island in the 
king’s commission to Ponce? How were the natives 
of the West Indies exterminated? Tell about the in¬ 
troduction of slavery. What city was made the capi¬ 
tal of Porto Rico in 1510? What geographical ad¬ 
vantages did San Juan possess over Caparra? Give 
a brief account of slavery in Porto Rico ? 

What kind of government did Porto Rico have un¬ 
der the four centuries of Spanish rule? Tell briefly 
of the attempts at invasion by the French, English, 
Dutch and Columbians. How did the treaty of Paris 
between Spain and the United States affect Porto 
Rico? What kind of government did the United States 
maintain at first? What is meant by the “Organic 


29 





CIVIL GOVHKNMENT. 


3 <> 

Act?” W hat is the purpose of this act <>f Con¬ 
gress? What was the general effect of the 
Spanish colonial rule upon the life of the peo¬ 
ple? What can you say of the powers of 
the governors appointed by the kings of Spain? W hen 
was the system of colonial autonomy granted? What 
was accomplished under this system? What partici¬ 
pation in the government is enjoyed by the voters at 
the present time? What protection is given to the in¬ 
habitants? 

Under what conditions is good government secured.' 
On whom does the future of Porto Rico depend? 
Why? What influence does the citizen exert in mak- 
ing good government? How can we use our influ¬ 
ence in favor of good government in Porto Rico? Why 
does the fate of good government in Porto Rico de¬ 
pend on its individual inhabitants? How are the peo¬ 
ple of Porto Rico learning the lessons of self-govern¬ 
ment? What should be the ambition of every worthy 
citizen of this island? What is necessary in order to 
realize this ambition? 

Suggestive Questions for Discussion. 

Do you consider a civil government preferable to a 
military government? Why? What qualifications 
should Porto Rico possess in order to become a state? 
W ,T hy is the education of the common people consid¬ 
ered necessary for a popular government? 


QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER II. 


The Legislative Department. 

What is a citizen of the United States? Of a State? 
Of Porto Rico? 

How is the Legislative Assembly of Porto Rico com- 




CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


posed ? What is the difference between the Legisla¬ 
tive Assembly and the House of Delegates? How 
many members of the Executive Council are heads of 
departments? How many are not? How many mem¬ 
bers has the Executive Council in all? How are mem¬ 
bers of this body appointed? Eor how long? Name 
the present members? State the salary of members 
of the Executive Council? By whom and how are the 
salaries fixed? Who is president of the Executive 
Council? What are his duties as president? What 
other officers has this body? What are their duties? 

How many members has the House of Delegates? 
How many for each district? How many districts are 
there? What are the qualifications of members of the 
House of Delegates? How do they obtain their places? 
When is an election held? How often? What are 
qualifications of voters at this election? How long do 
members serve as delegates? Name the members 
representing the district in which you live? Name 
several other prominent members? What remunera¬ 
tion is paid to members of the House? Who is the 
president of this body? What are his duties? What 
other officers has the House, and what are their du¬ 
ties? 

When does the Legislative Assembly meet? For 
how long? How often? What provision is made for 
holding special sessions? Who calls special sessions? 

Enumerate the powers of each house? Why should 
each house have the right to call witnesses? Why are 
oaths administered to witnesses? Why is a journal 
of the proceedings kept? Explain the meaning of 
topic (j) in the outline. 

What general powers are conferred upon the Legis¬ 
lative Assembly by the Foraker Act? Why must all 
laws be consistent with the Constitution and the Or¬ 
ganic Act? Has the Governor of Porto Rico any in¬ 
tervention in legislation? How? What body has the 


32 


CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


right to grant franchises and concessions of a pub¬ 
lic nature? To whose approval are these grants sub¬ 
ject? What power and authority does Congress re¬ 
serve in regard to laws passed by the Legislative As¬ 
sembly? 

What is a bill? In how many ways may a bill be¬ 
come a law? Which is the usual way? State two 
other ways. Explain how the Assembly can prevent 
the return of a bill by adjourning. 

Who is our present delegate to Congress? What 
other title is applied to him? How does the Resident 
Commissioner obtain his office? What qualifications 
are required for this office? What salary is he paid? 
State his powers and duties? How do his powers and 
duties compare with those of a delegate from a terri¬ 
tory? With those of a member of the House of Rep¬ 
resentatives. 

Suggestive Questions for Discussion. 

What is a majority? Two-thirds majority? A 
tie vote? A quorum? How many votes has the 
president of each house of the Assembly? Why is the 
custom of allowing the presiding officer two votes in 
case of a tie not continued? Can a Porto Rican be 
appointed as head of an executive department? May 
an American be elected as member of the House of 
Delegates? May an American be elected to the posi¬ 
tion of Resident Commissioner? 

What is meant by “veto?” What is a “pocket 
veto?” Why is the veto power gi\en to the Gover¬ 
nor? Name several important laws passed by the last 
Legislative Assembly, and tell why you consider them 
important. Can any other person except a member of 
the Legislative Assembly present a bill? Frame a bill? 
Mention some franchises granted by the Executive 
Council. What would be done if the Assembly should 


CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


33 


pass a law that is not consistent with the Constitution 
or the Organic Act? 

Which do you consider more important, the Legis¬ 
lative or the executive functions of the various heads 
of departments? Why? 


QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER III. 


The Executive Department. 

How does the Governor of Porto Rico obtain his 
position? For how long is he appointed? What is his 
annual salary? Where is his official residence? Who 
is our Governor at present? Name two other civil 
governors that we have had. What powers has the 
Governor regarding pardons and reprieves? Remis¬ 
sions of fines? Granting respites? Regarding appoint¬ 
ments? In regard to legislation? What relation does 
he hold to the militia? How do the powers of the 
Governor of Porto Rico compare with those of Gov¬ 
ernors of territories? What is the duty of the Governor 
in regard to making reports? Enumerate in a general 
way the powers and duties of the Governor. To whom 
is he responsible? 

Give the titles of the executive heads of depart¬ 
ments. How are they appointed? For how long? 
State the salary of each. Name the present heads of 
departments. 

What are the duties of the Secretary in regard to 
recording and preserving the minutes of proceedings? 
In regard to proclamations, orders and laws? Trans¬ 
mitting copies of laws? To what officials are these 
copies sent? Under what conditions does he serve 
as acting governor? What relations does he hold to 
the Municipalities? Enumerate the powers and du¬ 
ties of the Secretary. LotC. 




34 


CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


How do the powers and duties of the Attorney-Gen¬ 
eral compare with those of an attorney of a territory ? 
Under what circumstances does he represent the Peo¬ 
ple of Porto Rico? What is his relation to the insular 
courts? What is his duty in regard to giving legal 
opinions? In case of official misconduct of an insular 
employee? In regard to applications for pardons? 
In regard to bonds of certain officials? What other 
powers and duties has the Attorney-General? lo 
whom does he make his official report? 

What is the amount of the Treasurer's bond? Why 
should he execute a bond? What are his duties as 
treasurer proper? As assessor? As collector of 
taxes? As commissioner of banks and corporations? 
State his duties in the supervision of the financial af¬ 
fairs of the municipalities. Enumerate the other pow¬ 
ers and duties of the Treasurer. Into what bureaus is 
the treasury department organized? With what does 
each deal. Why are internal revenue agents necessary? 
What are the duties of collectors and deputy-collec¬ 
tors? 

What are the duties of the Auditor in regard to pub¬ 
lic money? What other duties are performed by him? 

Enumerate the powers and duties of the Commis¬ 
sioner of the Interior. Into what bureaus is his de¬ 
partment divided? With what matters does the 
bureau of public works deal? The bureau of agricul¬ 
ture and mines? The bureau of public lands? The 
bureau of insular telegraph? The bureau of docks and 
harbors? What is the duty of the Commissioner in 
regard to making reports? 

What are the general powers and duties of the Com¬ 
missioner of Education? What are his powers and 
duties in his relation to school boards? In relation to 
teachers and superintendents? In regard to books and 
supplies? Courses of study? Plans for school buildings? 
The disbursement of insular school funds? The col- 


CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


35 


lection of school statistics? Give a brief summary 
of the powers and duties of the Commissioner of Ed¬ 
ucation. 

By what authority was the Office of Health, Chari¬ 
ties and Corrections created? How is the Director ap¬ 
pointed? What is his remuneration? Of what body 
must he be a member; What appointing power has 
the Director? What are his chief duties? Explain 
the difference between charitable, penal, correctional 
and sanitary institutions. Give an example of each. 
What are the duties of the Director regarding insti¬ 
tutions supported by insular funds? In regard to in¬ 
stitutions supported by cities and villages? In regard 
to private institutions? In regard to preparing rules 
and regulations? In regard to supplying provisions 
and supplies? In regard to making regulations favor¬ 
ing public health? In regard to official reports? 

Of how many members is the superior board of 
health composed? How are they appointed? What 
can you say about their remuneration? In what ca¬ 
pacity does this board act? On what matters does it 
make recommendations? 

Classify the following institutions as charitable, cor¬ 
rectional, penal or sanitary: The Insane Asylum; 
The Boys’ Charity School; The Leper Colony; The 
San Juan Hospital; The Penitentiary; The Girls’ 
Charity School; a cemetery; a municipal hospital; a 
district jail. 

Suggestive Questions for Discussion. 

What is meant by pardons? Reprieves? Forfeit¬ 
ure? Respite? To what does the term “militia” ap¬ 
ply in Porto Rico? Why does the treasurer of Porto 
Rico receive a higher salary than the other heads of 
departments? Why is he required to give a bond? 
What is meant by bond in this sense? Why is the of¬ 
fice of auditor necessary? Why is the auditor some- 


3^ 


CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


times called “the watch-dog of the treasury?” Can 
money be paid out of the treasury of Porto Rico with¬ 
out being appropriated? What is meant by making 
an appropriation? Name the different kinds of spe¬ 
cial schools in Porto Rico. Would our school system 
give better results if the powers of the Commissioner 
of Education were more limited, and if the school 
boards had greater powers? Can an American be ap¬ 
pointed as Director of Health, Charities and Correc¬ 
tions? Why should matters affecting health be under 
public supervision and control? Name two diseases 
common in Porto Rico and tell what measures are 
taken to prevent and exterminate them. How does 
the study of hygiene in the public schools affect pub¬ 
lic health? Compare the present state of public health 
with that before the American occupation. 


QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER IV. 


The Judicial Department. 

In what courts is the judicial power of Porto Rico 
vested? Of how many judges does the Supreme Court 
consist? How are they appointed? For how long? 
How many judges are necessary for a quorum? What 
is the salary of each? Give the names of the present 
judges? What other officials has the Supreme Court? 
What jurisdiction has the Supreme Court as a court 
of appeals? In what cases has it original jurisdiction? 

In what cases are appeals from the decision of the 
Supreme Court of Porto Rico taken to the Supreme 
Court of the United States? 

Into how many judicial districts is Porto Rico di¬ 
vided? What cities are the capitals of these districts? 
How many judges has a district court? What are the 
qualifications for a judge of a district court? How 
are they appointed? For how long? At what salary? 




CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


37 


\\ hat are the duties of judges of district courts? What 
are the duties of the special judge? Of a substitute 
judge? 

How does the district marshal obtain his office? 
How long does he serve? At what salary? What is 
the amount of his bond? What are his duties? How 
are deputy-marshals appointed? 

How does the secretary of a district court obtain 
his office? What is the amount of his bond? What 
is his salary? What are his duties? Who appoints 
deputy secretaries? 

By whom is the stenographer of a district court ap¬ 
pointed? At what salary? What is the amount of his 
bond? State his duties. 

How does the district fiscal obtain his position? 
What are the qualifications for this office? What is 
his term of office? Salary? State the duties of the 
district fiscal. 

To what cases does the jurisdiction of the district 
courts extend? 

What is said of the writ of Habeas Corpus? Bail 
and punishment? Trial by jury? 

How many municipal judicial districts are there in 
Porto Rico? Of what officials is the municipal court 
composed? How do they obtain their positions? 
Qualifications of municipal judges in the larger towns? 
What salaries are paid to the muncipal judges? What 
salaries are paid to the secretary and marshal of a 
municipal court? What are their duties? In what 
cases has a municipal court jurisdiction? Give the 
names of the municipal judge, marshal and secre¬ 
tary of the municipal judicial district in which you 
live. 

How does a justice of the peace obtain his office? 
What salaries are paid to justices in San Juan, Ponce 
and Mayagiiez? In the other towns? Which justice 
courts have a secretary? By whom is he appointed? 


3« 


Civil. GOVERNMENT. 


At what salary? What are the duties of a bailiff? 
From what funds are the officers of a justice court 
paid? Toward what fund are fines imposed and col¬ 
lected by justices paid? Name the justice of peace of 
your town. 

What officers compose the district court of the 
United States for Porto Rico? How and for how long 
are they appointed? What is the compensation of 
each? What is the jurisdiction of this court? Give 
examples of cases coming under the jurisdiction of 
this court? Give the name of the judge, prosecuting 
attorney and marshal of this court. 

Suggestive Questions for Discussion. 

What is meant by the term “jurisdiction?” By appel¬ 
late jurisdiction? Original jurisdiction? What is bail? 
Why is it required? Explain the difference between 
a civil and a criminal case, citing examples of each. 
Explain the difference between a misdemeanor and a 
felony, giving examples of each. Make a map of 
Porto Rico, showing the judicial districts into which 
the island is divided. 


QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER V. 


The Government of Municipalities. 

What is a municipality? How many municipalities 
are there in Porto Rico. When are municipal elec¬ 
tions held? Upon what is the government of the 
municipalities of Porto Rico modeled? In what body 
is the legislative power of municipal government 
vested? How is the council composed? How and 
when are councilmen elected? For how long? What 
are the qualifications for councilmen? How are va¬ 
cancies in the council caused? How filled? How of¬ 
ten are meetings of the council held? What consti- 




CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


39 


tntes a quorum? Enumerate the powers of the coun¬ 
cil. 

Who is the executive head of a muncipality? How, 
when and for how long is he elected? How are va¬ 
cancies in this office filled? To whom and on what 
subjects does the mayor make reports? What muni¬ 
cipal officials are appointed by the mayor? Enumerate 
the other powers and duties of the mayor. 

What administrative officials are there in a munici¬ 
pality? What are the duties of the secretary? 
Treasurer? Comptroller? Inspector of public works? 
Health officer? Board of charities? What is said of 
the budget? What are the sources of revenue of a 
municipality? What power has a municipality in re¬ 
gard to borrowing money? What is the limit of in¬ 
debtedness fixed by law? By whom are municipal 
loans approved? What is said of appeals made by 
tax-pavers? What insular officials exercise general 
supervisory powers over municipal affairs? Compare 
the various departments of municipal government with 
those of the insular government. 


QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER VI. 


Elections. 

When and how often are general elections held? 
What insular and municipal officials are elected by 
popular vote? Under whose supervision are elections 
conducted? How are the boards of election appointed? 
What are their duties? How is the supervisor of elec¬ 
tions appointed? What are his duties? What is 
meant by registration and how is it performed? What 
is meant by the ballot? What proceedings are followed 
in the voting-room? How is the result of an election 
ascertained ? 




40 


CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER VII. 


Education. 

How is Porto Rico divided into school districts? 
How are school boards composed? How and when 
are directors chosen? What are their qualifications? 
How are vacancies filled? Who are the officers of a 
school board? What are the duties of each? Enum¬ 
erate in a general way the powers and duties of school 
boards. From what sources is the school fund at the 
disposal of boards obtained? By what authority is 
the school tax levied? What is said about auditing 
accounts of boards? What about the obligations of 
boards? 

By whom are superintendents appointed? What 
are their duties? 

How many different classes of teachers are there in 
Porto Rico? What are the qualifications for rural 
teachers? For graded teachers? For principals? For 
teachers of English? For special teachers? State in 
a general way the duties of teachers. How do public 
school teachers obtain their positions? 

What is said of compulsory attendance? 


QUESTIONS ON CHAPTER VIII. 


Finance—Roads. 

What tariff provisions favor Porto Rico? What is 
done with the money collected for duties on goods 
imported into Porto Rico? What power has the gov¬ 
ernment in regard to borrowing money? What limit 
is placed on the public indebtedness? What is said 
of the banking laws of the island? What about money? 
What is said about public property? 





CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 


4l 


Into how many road districts is Porto Rico divided? 
What body exercises general jurisdiction over roads? 
What are the qualifications for road supervisor? How 
long do road supervisors serve? What is the remun¬ 
eration of road supervisors? What officers are there 
for a road district? What are the duties of the board 
of road supervisors? 

















NOY 1 1904 


library of congress 



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